Zhao Yan is the name of:

• Zhao Yan (Three Kingdoms) (171–245), Cao Wei general of the Three Kingdoms period
• Zhao Yan (Later Liang) (died 923), Later Liang politician during the Five Dynasties period
• Zhao Yan (journalist) (born 1962), Chinese journalist, researcher and political prisoner
• Zhao Yan (footballer) (born 1972), Chinese female association footballer
• Zhao Yan (figure skater) (born 1992), Chinese male ice dancer